Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Day One: the first three rules

What is an antecedent? A pronoun usually refers to a noun or

another pronoun, which is called the pronoun’s antecedent.

The hikers took their canteens with them. I need a transcript of my grades.

Rule 1: Pronouns must AGREE with their antecedents!

In number Anyone can take his or her own car. Some people work their entire lives.

In gender (male, female, neuter) Joe is his name. Jane is her name.

In person (1st, 2nd, or 3rd person) Have you fastened your seatbelt? They made their own costumes

Indefinite Singular (list ALL 16) Anybody, anyone, anything Each, one Everybody, everyone, everything Neither, either Nobody, no one, nothing Somebody, someone, something

Singular Examples Each of the boys brought his own mitt. Anyone who is going on the field trip needs

to bring his or her lunch. Any interested person may send his or her

resume.

Plural (List ALL four of them) Both, few, many, several Both of the students presented their

arguments. Several of these coins are worth more than

their face value.

Singular or Plural (List ALL 6) All, any, more, most, none, some Some of the terminology is weird; Joan will

clarify it. Some of the terms are weird; John will

clarify them.

Rule 2: Use a plural pronoun to refer to two or more antecedents joined by and. If Joann and Benjamin call, tell them that I will

not be home until this evening.

Antecedents joined by and may name only one person, place, thing, or idea.

Macaroni and cheese is my favorite!

Rule 3: Use a singular pronoun to refer to two or more singular antecedents joined by or or nor.

Neither Joe, Jill, nor he is ready for his or her test.

Special problems: Using a pronoun to refer to antecedents of different number may create an unclear or awkward sentence. Neither the girls nor Sue was satisfied with her

performance. (unclear) Neither Sue nor the girls were satisfied with their

performance. (unclear)

It is best to revise to avoid unclear or awkward sentences.

All of the singers were dissatisfied with their performance.

Neither the vocalist nor the backup singers were satisfied with the performance.

PRACTICE 1:1. Each student prepares ___ own outline.

2. One of the workers built ___ home.

3. Both Jane and Sue wrote ___ essys about ecology

4. If anyone else wants to drive, ___ should tell Mrs. Cruz.

5. Everyone in the class has passed ___ test.

6. Neither the guys nor Joe paid ___ dues.

7. Neither Joe nor the guys drove ____ car.

Corrections:1. Each student prepares his or her own outline.

2. One of the workers built his or her home.

3. Both Jane and Sue wrote their essays about ecology

4. If anyone else wants to drive, he or she should tell Mrs. Cruz.

5. Everyone in the class has passed his or her test.

6. Neither the guys nor Joe has paid his dues.

7. Neither Joe nor the guys drove their car.